松懈 sōngxiè to relax
to relax; to relax efforts; to slack off; to take it easy; complacent; undisciplined
How to remember 松懈: 松 pine tree + 懈 idle = to relax.
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How it is used
- 'To slack off, let one's guard down': 不能松懈 (bùnéng sōngxiè) mustn't relax our efforts.
- Negative: a lapse in vigilance, discipline, or effort: 麻痹松懈 careless and lax.
- Contrast 松弛 (physical/tension relaxing, often neutral); 松懈 is about slacking that leads to failure.